Colombia Nature and Culture Tour

Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Bogota. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30-45 minutes.

At the hotel, we will check again your itinerary to make sure everything is clear, help you with anything you may need and give you some practical information about Bogota and Colombia. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may have some time to start exploring the city on your own or just to relax. 

Bogotá is located at an altitude of 2,600 metres, so we recommend to take it easy during the first couple of days.

Note: Hotel check in after 3 pm
 

Overnight: Bogota Meal Plan: None

To start our nature and wildlife tour in Colombia, we will visit the Bogotá Botanical Garden, officially known as the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden. This 20-hectare urban oasis in Bogota showcases the rich biodiversity of Colombia's ecosystems, including Andean forests, paramos, and tropical rainforests. We will explore the curated collections of native plants, including orchids, palms, and medicinal herbs. The garden also features a stunning butterfly house, a waterfall, and thematic gardens dedicated to different ecological regions.

Then, we will visit some of the most iconic places in Bogota's historic centre. We will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display in the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria, admire the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum, and check the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor, at the Museo Botero. At the end of the tour, we will go to the hotel.

Note: The Botanical Garden and Gold Museum are closed on Mondays, and Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays

Overnight: Bogota Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Included activities:   Historic tour of Bogotá and visit to the Botanical Garden

Today we take a full day excursion to the spectacular Chingaza National Park near Bogota. One of the biggest natural reserves in Colombia with a great diversity of fauna and breath-taking views. The park is located 1.5 hours driving from Bogota.

The habitat of Chingaza consists of cloud forest, high elevation glacial lakes and paramo (Andean high altitude) covered by a vast expanse of Frailejones (Espeletia), a genus of rare and quite interesting succulent subshrub found only in the paramo areas of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. A network of hiking trails will enable us to see a variety of Chingaza's stunning landscapes, flora and fauna. The park has around 40 natural glacial lakes, the largest of which is Lake Chingaza, which lies at 3,250 metres above sea level.

Nearly 186 species of birds have been registered in this natural park including the Bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii), Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Oroetus isidori) and Colombia’s national bird, the majestic Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). Chingaza Natural Park is also home to a handful of native mammals like deer, Andean bears, and small felines that you might be able to see.

We will spend around 3 hours hiking at the park to visit some of the main lakes. We will go to an altitude of around 3,300 metres above the sea level. At the end of the tour, we will take you back to the hotel.

Overnight: Bogota Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Included activities:   Day tour to Chingaza Natural Park

Early in the morning, we will pick you up at the hotel to transfer you to the airport in Bogota for your flight to Yopal in the Eastern Region of Colombia, also called Los LLanos. On arrival in Yopal, we will go to San Luis de Palenque. It will take approximately 2 hours on paved roads.  We will spend the next two days at Hato Matepalma and Hato Altamira, two large haciendas that are part of the Nature Reserve El Encanto de Guanapalo. 

Upon arrival at the natural reserve, we will have lunch and relax for a while. Then, we'll get an introduction to the farm and some lasso practice before gearing up our horses for a ride into the savannah. By horse, we'll cross small rivers, waterholes, lush savannas, palm and gallery forests, keeping our eyes peeled for diverse birdlife and wildlife, including different species of anteaters, monkeys, tortoises, caimans and exotic birds.

At the nature reserve, you will have the chance to see hundreds of capybaras, white-tailed deer, spectacled caimans, tortoises and exciting birdlife, including Orinoco geese and the great horned owl – Colombia's largest owl.

At the end of the day, we will go to one of the haciendas where you will spend the night.

Overnight: Los Llanos Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities:   Horse-back riding in Los Llanos

In the morning, we will go for a walk and a canoe tour to observe families of capybaras, hoatzins, and various species of kingfishers. We will come back to the hacienda for lunch and relax a little bit before the safari in the afternoon. 

In the afternoon, we will do a safari in a 4x4 vehicle to get close to an astonishing amount of wildlife. With some luck, we may see anteaters, pumas, armadillos or anacondas. The probability of seeing anacondas is higher during the dry season, which is in February and March. We will see hundreds of capybaras, deer, spectacled caimans, tortoises and exciting birdlife. 

At the end of the afternoon safari, we will sit down to relax and have a drink while enjoying the spectacular sunset of this region of Colombia. After, recharging batteries we will continue our expedition to see nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight: Los Llanos Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities:   Wildlife Safari

In the morning, you will return to Yopal for your flight to Santa Marta. As there are no direct flights available, you will connect through Bogotá before continuing to the Colombian Caribbean coast.

Upon arrival at Santa Marta Airport, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel near Tayrona National Natural Park.

Founded in 1525, Santa Marta is the oldest surviving city in Colombia and a fascinating destination where colonial history meets spectacular natural landscapes. It serves as the gateway to Tayrona National Natural Park, one of the country's most treasured protected areas. Renowned for its pristine Caribbean beaches, lush tropical rainforest, ancient archaeological sites, and extraordinary biodiversity, Tayrona offers an unforgettable blend of nature and culture. With its breathtaking scenery and deep connection to the ancestral lands of the Indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, it is considered one of Colombia's most iconic destinations.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we will spend the day at Tayrona National Natural Park, where we will see some of Colombia's most beautiful beaches. 

Around 8:30 am, we will start the trip to Tayrona Park, which will take only 15 minutes from your hotel to the main entrance of the park (El Zaino entrance). We will drive 10 min more from the entrance to the Cañaveral sector and from there, we will walk for about 1 hour across the forest until reaching the Arrecifes sector, where you will get great panoramic views of the park. Then, we will walk for 30 min more to reach the beaches Arenillas, La Piscina and El Cabo San Juan. You will have plenty of time to swim and relax on the beach. There are several restaurants and bars in the park where you can stop for lunch in the shade, relax, and admire the spectacular surroundings.

Around 3:30pm, we will start the journey back to the main entrance.

Note: Tayrona Park is usually closed from Feb 1st to 15th, Jun 1st to 15th and Oct 19th to Nov 2nd.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park Meal Plan: Breakfast

Included activities:   Day trip Tayrona Natural Park

You will have the day to relax and enjoy the spectacular natural landscape of this region of Colombia.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park Meal Plan: Breakfast

In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and begin our journey to Cartagena, a scenic drive of approximately 4.5 hours. Nestled on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Cartagena de Indias is a captivating city where centuries of history blend seamlessly with a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Upon arrival, you'll have time to check in at your hotel, relax after the journey, and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we will meet again for a guided walking tour of Cartagena's most iconic landmarks. Begin with the impressive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the largest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spanish in the Americas, renowned for its ingenious military design and its role in defending the city during the British siege of 1741. Continue into the enchanting Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada), where you'll stroll through cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, charming plazas, churches, and flower-filled balconies. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll discover the rich history, remarkable architecture, and vibrant culture that make Cartagena one of Latin America's most captivating destinations.

Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast

Included activities:   Walking tour in Cartagena

We will pick you up in the morning from your hotel and take you to La Boquilla, located 7 km north of Cartagena. La Boquilla is a traditional fishing village known for its Afro-Colombian heritage .It sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other.

At La Boquilla, we will take a trip in a wooden canoe through the mangrove forest in La Cienga de Tesca. During this trip, you will see some native and migratory birds and learn about the flora and other fauna found in this ecosystem. You will learn local fishing techniques like how to cast a net and set crab traps.

After learning to fish in the mangrove forest, we will enjoy a traditional lunch. This is where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the locals’ day-to-day lives, their fishing tools and their culture. The lunch will be a delicious meal consisting of seafood, which is popular along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. At the end of the tour, we will drop you back off at your hotel in Cartagena.

Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Included activities:   Fishing Tour in La Boquilla Village

The tour ends today, when required we will pick you up at the hotel for a transfer to the airport.

Note: Check out before 12 pm

Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast

You can visit Colombia year-round, but the weather varies widely from one region to another. This itinerary includes several environments, from Bogotá’s cool, high‑mountain climate to the warm savannahs of Los Llanos and the Caribbean coast, so the best time to travel depends on what you enjoy and what you want to do.

Los Llanos has a tropical savannah climate with two main seasons. The dry season (about December to March) is warm, sunny and easier for wildlife watching. The rainy season (April to November) brings heavier showers, greener landscapes and flooded areas that attract many birds and animals. Temperatures in Los Llanos stay warm year-round, usually between 25 and 32°C, and humidity can be high.

We can help you choose the best travel dates for your tour based on current weather and your plans

Yes. This is a private tour and can be adapted for families depending on the children’s ages and interests. Activities, accommodation and the pace of the itinerary can be adjusted where necessary. The wildlife experiences in Los Llanos and the beaches around Tayrona can be particularly enjoyable for families.

There is a moderate amount of walking during city tours and selected experiences. Activities such as exploring Comuna 13, strolling through historic centres or visiting Guatapé may include hills, stairs or uneven terrain. We can adapt the tour to different mobility levels and preferred travel pace. Please let us know any mobility requirements when planning your trip so we can adjust the itinerary wherever possible.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, as animals are encountered in their natural environment. However, Los Llanos is one of Colombia’s outstanding destinations for wildlife watching, and the itinerary includes several opportunities to observe animals by 4x4, canoe and on foot. You may see capybaras, caimans, deer, anteaters, monkeys, tortoises and a wide variety of birds. With some luck, you may also spot more elusive species such as anacondas, armadillos or pumas.

Los Llanos is one of the highlights of this Colombia nature expedition. You will stay at a hacienda within a nature reserve and explore the surrounding savannah by horse, canoe and 4x4. The experience includes wildlife watching, spectacular sunsets and an evening expedition in search of nocturnal animals.

You don't need prior riding experience to ride in Los Llanos. The horses are very docile, and experienced local horsemen will accompany you, guide you, explain what to do, and keep the ride at a gentle, comfortable pace.

The experience takes you through open savannahs, small rivers, waterholes and forested areas while you look for wildlife. If you have any concerns about this experience, please let us know when booking so we can advise you and make any necessary arrangements.

Yes. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most other dietary requirements. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels, eco-lodges and hacienda-style accommodation, depending on the destination. In Los Llanos, you will stay at a nature reserve surrounded by wildlife and savannah landscapes, while near Tayrona you will stay at an eco-lodge close to the national park. In Cartagena, accommodation is in a boutique hotel in the historic city.

Yes. All experiences, transfers, and guided visits are fully private, allowing you to travel at your own pace.

Absolutely. All Uncover Colombia tours are private and can be tailor-made. We can adjust activities, accommodation, travel dates and the pace of the itinerary to suit your interests. If you would like to focus more heavily on wildlife, hiking, photography or cultural experiences, we can discuss options for adapting the trip.

We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing suitable for a range of climates. Bogotá and Chingaza can be cool due to the altitude, while Los Llanos and the Caribbean coast are considerably warmer. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, a waterproof layer, and swimwear.

As you'll be hiking and doing wildlife activities, waterproof hiking shoes, binoculars, a hat, and sunglasses are useful. You may need wellies in Los Llanos, but we can provide these on site.

Also, to avoid mosquito bites, wear long‑sleeved shirts and long trousers when weather permits. Use effective insect repellents, those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para‑menthane‑diol offer long‑lasting protection

All day tours and transfers included in the itinerary are insured, providing added security and peace of mind during scheduled activities. For complete protection, we strongly recommend arranging suitable international travel insurance for the full duration of your trip.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers.

Before your trip begins, we create a dedicated chat group with our operations team so you can easily reach us before, during, and after your journey. Once in Colombia, our team is available daily to assist with anything you may need. You will also be accompanied by a bilingual local guide who provides cultural insight and on-the-ground support. 

We take special care of our guests, so you always feel supported, safe, and fully immersed in the local experience.

Colombia has changed significantly over the past decades, and many destinations are now well established for international tourism. As with any destination, travellers should take sensible precautions and follow local advice. Travelling with local guides and pre-arranged private transportation can also make your journey easier and more comfortable.